Anxiety disorders are characterized by consistent feelings of worry and panic without any real cause. They can also contribute to physical symptoms like elevated heart rate, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Because anxiety disorders can be extremely disruptive to a person’s like, finding the right diagnosis is critical to getting timely treatment. Here’s how medical practitioners can diagnose anxiety disorders in patients.
To receive an accurate diagnosis, patients must undergo a psychological assessment to get a greater understanding of their symptoms. This assessment typically involves the following questions:
The doctor will take the results of the assessment and compare it to the guidelines governing mental health disorders. In some cases, a person may have more than one mental health disorder. For example, many people with anxiety also suffer from depressive episodes. The assessment should clarify the full scope of your mental health condition to ensure you receive proper treatment.
Anxiety disorders are often diagnosed by mental health specialists, but they can sometimes be identified by primary care physicians. A primary care doctor is a good first option if you want to rule out any physical issues that could be mimicking symptoms of anxiety. This physician can then refer you to another medical professional if test results are negative for physical ailments.
You may be encouraged to visit a psychiatrist and/or psychologist for further assistance. Psychiatrists are equipped to diagnose mental health issues and they can also prescribe medication to treat them. Psychologists do not prescribe medications, but they can diagnose disorders like anxiety and provide different types of therapy. Most people require a combination of medication and therapy to overcome mental health issues.